GCSE Revision Conferences
Three one day conferences – English, Maths & Science – are hosted in March each year at Surbiton High for the most disadvantaged pupils of The Hollyfield School who are under-achieving in their core subjects following GCSE mocks.
In strong, purposeful collaboration between the schools, a focused timetable of 4-5 sessions is scheduled specifically targeting weakest areas in need of improvement
SHS staff lead the teaching sessions, bringing new insight, angle and delivery style; Hollyfield staff offer 1:1 close support.
SHS also provide breakfast, break refreshments and lunch for The Hollyfield pupils and staff.
Aims
To raise attainment for underachieving disadvantaged pupils in the crucial Year 11 as the approach their GCSEs.
To raise engagement in study and then subsequently to help raise attendance in the crucial final months.
Background
Recognising their disadvantaged pupils who were falling below target grades, The Hollyfield had previously run in-house intervention conferences at an external hotel venue using PPG funds. After discussion, we agreed we could offer something new, more powerful and free of charge so that PPG funds could be re-deployed elsewhere.
How did the case study or partnership come about?
Surbiton and The Hollyfield came together to work more closely in support of each other in all areas. Through initial discussions of each school’s priorities we devised initiatives to help target those.
Through these discussions, we laid out wat was being provided for PPG pupils and how we could help – the need had already been identified, Surbiton was able to improve and fund the idea.
Resources
Teaching resources, catering.
The trickiest part is finding the space, to block out 2-3 classrooms for a whole day. 3 times.
Impact
Clear summative assessment occurs before and after. This includes tracking mock results or pre-conference assessment with directly comparable post-conference assessment. Also, tracking predicted / current working grade before the conferences with summer GCSE result.
Maths 2019
PPE 1 VS Summer result (Before and after PP conference)
17%
Improved 2 or more grades
63%
Improved 1 grade or more
29%
No improvement
English Language data 2019
Improved 2 or more grades
13%
Improved 1 grade
19%
No improvement
25%
Dropped grades
38%
In addition to the quantitative data, almost all pupils said they enjoyed the day and were pleased to have had the opportunity and to have taken it.
Many pupils reported a feeling of increased confidence and subsequently, there was also some noticeable increase in school attendance.
Pupil Involvement
24 tudents from Hollyfield aged 15-16, mixed gender.
Frequency
4-5 sessions per conference, usually means 4-5 staff teaching 1 1hr session each. Some planning involved.
Plus 10 hours coordination over a month.
This is annual and on-going.
